Criminal Duty Solicitors

Criminal Duty Solicitors – Bhatia Best Solicitors

CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT – ALL BRANCHES

This is an opportunity for a Solicitor (NQ+) to join our busy Criminal Department. The successful candidate will be a currently practicing solicitor in Crime, have a strong work ethic and advocacy skills, and hold a Duty Solicitor Accreditation.

Our activity spans the East Midlands and the successful candidate may be required, from time to time, to conduct work at any of three branches or at other Police Stations and Court Centres in the area.

Solicitor primarily practicing in the Magistrates Court, conducting the full ambit of litigation and advocacy in cases from commencement to conclusion.

• Engage in client interaction on a daily basis either on telephone, video conferencing or in person.
• Prepare case files.
• Attend court on a daily basis to represent clients in Plea (NGAP/GAP) courts, remand courts, contested trials and sentencing hearings.
• Attend Police Station for attendance and representation.
• Engage in litigation in relation to Crown Court matters.
• Undertake out‑of‑hours work (Police Station and Saturday/Bank Holiday Courts) on a rota basis.

Remuneration package will include basic salary plus overtime and mileage once engaged on the out‑of‑hours rota.

• Experience maintaining case files via a computerised Case Management System. Compliance with SQM (Specialist Quality Mark) and internal transaction criteria.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Competent drafting of all types of legal documents.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to apply law to fact.
• Competent negotiating skills (both written and oral).
• Confidence in delivering coherent, robust, reliable advice to clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Windows 10.
• Full UK Driving Licence desirable (out of hours travel) but not essential.

Candidate must be a Solicitor with a current Practising Certificate and have obtained CLAS Accreditation as a Duty Solicitor.

All levels of PQE will be considered. We will also accept applications from CILEX accredited individuals who have the appropriate Advocacy Certificate and CLAS (Duty) Accreditation.

Comprehensive understanding of the Criminal Justice System and constituent elements thereof; understanding of Criminal Legal Aid applications process; understanding of Rules of Conduct and Client Confidentiality.

If you wish to apply, please attach a CV and Covering Letter.

If you would like to know more about this vacancy, you may contact our practice manager or the Department Manager, Steve Ramsell, for an informal and confidential chat.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Legal

Law Practice

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